NATIONAL CROQUET MUSEUM

Rory Kelley’s accomplishments on the court are numerous, but his off-court contributions to croquet are what truly set him apart from the crowd. He has greatly enhanced the sport through his hard work as a club builder, years of tournament management, support of beginning and advanced players and ongoing work at some of the best tournaments in the Western region. His performance and leadership as part of several American teams competing internationally has helped set the tone for future American acceptance and prestige in the croquet world. He has continued to serve the sport as the current USCA Western Regional Vice President since 1994.

Born September 22, 1943, in Santa Monica, Calif., Kelley moved the next year to Phoenix, Ariz., where he spent his entire youth and was educated in the Phoenix school system. He earned a BS degree in Advertising from Arizona State University in 1969 and served in the US Coast Guard from 1961-1969. He and Cynthia C. Kelley married in 1977, and they have two daughters, Simone and Lindsay. He now also has five grandsons, one great-granddaughter and one great-grandson. Kelley’s non-croquet community involvement has been extensive including membership in the Phoenix Boys and Girls Club since 1975, Arizona Outdoor Advertising Association Board member and state treasurer 1985-1994 and being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fiesta Bowl 1995-1996.

Kelley has been playing in major tournaments throughout the United States since 1985—more than 34 years of top-level competition. He has been involved in all aspects of croquet and has served as Captain of the Solomon Trophy and Carter Cup teams. His years as the driving force behind the Arizona Croquet Club are notable for the legendary amount of work he has done in support of all Club activities. While managing his first tournament at the Club in 1988, he coined the still popular phrase “Toast and Tally” for croquet. One enthusiastic supporter opined “Whether he’s in a tux hosting a croquet event or spreading fertilizer on a court in hot July (because no one else was available to do it) he does it all!”

The Arizona Croquet Club was the seedbed for Association laws croquet in the US and Kelley has been at the center of all that positive momentum since 1988. Additionally, the Arizona Club nurtured and then blossomed USCA rules croquet under his direction and leadership of the Arizona Open, the leading American rules tournament in the years in which it was held.

The US Open Tournament, created by Hall-of-Famer Stan Patmor and Kelley, has been sustained by Kelley’s unfailing energy as Assistant Tournament Director (TD) since 2010. This tournament is now one of the most prestigious in the world and has been the instrument for the development of American international competition. Conceivably, without the Open, the United States might not have become a participant in the MacRobertson Shield. His dedication to the sport has continued unabated through the years, most recently demonstrated at the US Open as it celebrated its 31st anniversary, with Kelley having been involved in the management of each one.

Kelley has been actively involved in the management and operation of the USCA for many years. Since 1999, he has been a member of the USCA International Committee and served as Chairman from 2001-2005. He was also a member of the 1988 Nominating Committee, Management Committee 1990-94 and Bisque Committee 1995-97.

Kelley’s success on the court has been steady, highlighted by his victory in the 2011 USCA National Doubles Championship with Britt Ruby as his partner. Other notable achievements include titles in the Arizona Open Championship, San Francisco Open, USCA Western Regionals, Texas Croquet Classic and the Meadowood Classic. He remains an active contestant at major tournaments and is certified as a USCA Class I referee. Along with Hall-of-Famers Jerry Stark and Rhys Thomas, Kelley was instrumental in the development of the Selection Eights. Those who have played in dozens of tournaments with and against Kelley can attest to his sportsmanship and professionalism. Whether as an early Assistant Tournament Director at the US Open or as a tournament worker at many Arizona tournaments, he has set the standard for balancing fair play and fun. He is a joy to work with and a great friend to all … an excellent tournament director, host, teacher and long-standing ambassador for croquet.

Croquet Hall of Fame members represent the best of players, organizers, contributors and officials of our great game. In 2020, we welcome Rory J. Kelley, as an excellent addition to its roster of Hall of Fame Croquet greats!